MANILA, Philippines — February 27, 2026 — Mapúa Education Group and Arizona State University (ASU) have announced the expansion of their academic partnership, marking a significant step in globalizing Philippine higher education.
Initially focused on business and health sciences, the collaboration has evolved into the first and only comprehensive academic partnership between a leading Philippine education group and a top-ranked global university. ASU is ranked No. 1 in the United States for innovation and No. 1 in the U.S. and among the top 10 worldwide for global impact in research, outreach, and stewardship.
Under the expanded collaboration, all students across the Mapúa Education Group—including Mapúa University, Mapúa Malayan College Laguna, Mapúa Malayan College Mindanao, and Mapúa Malayan Digital College—will gain access to enhanced global education opportunities.
These include high-quality courses enriched with instructional content from ASU’s extensive academic repository; international student experience opportunities through ASU and the ASU-Cintana Alliance, a network of 35 innovative universities worldwide; and cost-effective pathways to international degrees delivered onsite and online.
A Partnership of Globally Ranked Leaders
Mapúa University is ranked No. 1 in the Philippines in Engineering, Computer Science, Physical Sciences, and Social Sciences, and is among the top 6% of universities globally according to Times Higher Education. Together, Mapúa and ASU combine academic excellence, innovation, and global reputation—setting a new benchmark for collaboration in Philippine higher education.
A Fully Integrated, Student-Centric Global Journey
The expanded partnership transforms the learner experience across multiple dimensions.
ASU’s globally benchmarked academic content and innovation frameworks will be embedded across Mapúa’s undergraduate and postgraduate programs, strengthening curriculum relevance and advancing digital and AI-enabled pedagogy.
Students will also benefit from structured global learning pathways, including dual-degree options, accelerated master’s programs, and mobility opportunities through Arizona State University. These pathways provide broader international exposure while maintaining local accessibility.
Artificial intelligence integration is another cornerstone of the collaboration. Leveraging ASU’s AI frameworks and digital learning models, Mapúa aims to enhance its AI-enabled pedagogy and prepare students for industries shaped by emerging technologies.
The agreement also expands faculty exchange, multidisciplinary research initiatives, and industry collaboration. Joint research projects through ASU and the ASU-Cintana network are expected to accelerate research output and industry-relevant innovation, further strengthening Mapúa’s contribution to national development.
Advancing Inclusive Growth and Sustainability
The partnership broadens access to globally benchmarked education across diverse learner segments. Mapúa offers hybrid and fully online degree pathways, as well as programs tailored for working professionals and lifelong learners.
Among the key impact initiatives is the planned establishment of a Green College, benchmarked against ASU’s sustainability programs, alongside accelerated research collaboration and expanded student engagement in sustainability, technology, and societal challenges.
A New Chapter in Globalizing Philippine Education
“This partnership reflects our commitment to elevating Philippine education through globally benchmarked standards,” said Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo, President of Mapúa University.“By integrating global expertise, digital innovation, and future-focused curricula across our campuses, we are preparing Filipino learners to compete and lead on the world stage,” he added.
ASU President Michael M. Crow expressed optimism about the expanded collaboration.
“We are excited that Mapúa is advancing to the level of comprehensive partner. As a comprehensive, broadly scoped institution, we look forward to working together through our Cintana relationship to help Mapúa achieve its aspirations and to support the Philippines, together with its allies—including the United States—in moving forward,” Crow said.
The Mapúa–ASU partnership represents a meaningful evolution in international academic collaboration—moving beyond traditional exchanges toward deeper integration and sustained institutional impact.
Mapúa University is the flagship institution of iPeople, Inc., the education joint venture between House of Investments of the Yuchengco Group of Companies and Ayala Corporation, aimed at making world-class education accessible to more Filipino students.
